Match Preview
Will Fils or Lehecka earn first Masters 1000 final berth?
Frenchman Fils leads Czech 2-1 in pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series
March 27, 2026
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Jiri Lehecka and Arthur Fils are chasing their first ATP Masters 1000 final.
By Sam Jacot
Arthur Fils is still standing at the Miami Open presented by Itau, but only just.
The 21-year-old Frenchman saved four match points against Tommy Paul to reach his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final, a moment that could define the early years of a career already full of promise. Now, riding the wave of belief that comes from surviving the brink, Fils has his eyes set on something even bigger.
Since bursting onto the scene in 2023 with a breakthrough title in Lyon, Fils has captured the imagination of fans with his flair, fearless shotmaking and never-say-die attitude. In 2024, he continued his steady climb with ATP 500 triumphs in Hamburg and Tokyo. Yet, a run to the Miami final would mark the pinnacle of his young career.
Waiting for him in Friday’s semi-final is 21st seed Jiri Lehecka. The 24-year-old Czech reached the last four at a Masters 1000 for the second time following wins against Moise Kouame, Ethan Quinn, Taylor Fritz and Spanish qualifier Martin Landaluce. His previous semi-final at this level, in Madrid 2024, ended abruptly when he retired against Felix Auger-Aliassime due to a back injury that kept him sidelined for more than three months.
Two years on and Lehecka sees a different version of himself in Miami.
“I think I’m a completely different player since that moment,” said Lehecka, who is up to No. 16 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings. “It was one of my first big tournaments where I went far. The match against Rafael Nadal in Madrid was a lifetime experience, but I still felt new in those late stages.
“I’ve put myself in a position where I know I can stay around the Top 20. From that spot, I felt I needed to put in more work to go further and get closer to the Top 10. That became my goal.”
While Lehecka is reliable, steady and consistent, 28th seed Fils is more unpredictable, yet capable of moments of pure magic. The Frenchman was flawless in wins against Stefanos Tsitsipas and Darwin Blanch and then showed his resilience in thrilling three-set victories against Valentin Vacherot and Paul. By advancing to the semi-finals, he became the youngest French ATP Masters 1000 semi-finalist since a 21-year-old Richard Gasquet in 2007, but he isn’t stopping there.
“That’s the best result I’ve had in my life so far,” Fils said after his win over Paul. “I will try to do my best in the semis, but now I’m pretty happy.”
Fils holds a 2-1 lead over Lehecka in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series, and like his Czech opponent, he knows the challenges of bouncing back from injury. He suffered a back injury in May last year, returning briefly in Toronto in July before making his full comeback in Montpellier in February. Since then, he has reached the title match in Doha, the quarter-finals in Indian Wells, and now the semi-finals in Miami.
Two of the ATP Tour’s brightest stars, each tested by their own setbacks, will now meet in Florida with a spot in the Miami final on the line. But who will seize the moment? Find out on Friday.
When are the Miami tennis semi-finals?
The Miami Open presented by Itau semi-finals will take place on Friday 27 March.
Who is playing in the Miami tennis semi-finals?
The semi-finals feature Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Jiri Lehecka and Arthur Fils.
How can I watch the Miami tennis semi-finals?
Watch live on TennisTV
TV Schedule
Did You Know?
Since 2021, Hubert Hurkacz, Carlos Alcaraz and Jakub Mensik all won their maiden ATP Masters 1000 title in Miami. Could Fils or Lehecka be next?
